Substitute House Bill No. 5508 seeks to amend Connecticut's laws on historic districts and preservation by introducing several key changes. It mandates that historic district commissions hold public hearings for applications for certificates of appropriateness, which must now be broadcast online. The appeal process for decisions made by these commissions will be aligned with zoning boards of appeals, allowing for a de novo review. The bill also validates historic districts established before October 1, 1980, even if they did not meet certain legal requirements. Additionally, it exempts properties owned by nonprofit institutions of higher education, state agencies, and municipalities from certain provisions, while requiring municipalities to submit plans for building alterations within historic districts for a nonbinding opinion from the commissions.

The bill expands the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit Program, allowing rehabilitation of two- to four-family homes as eligible projects, with a minimum expenditure of $15,000 to qualify for tax credits. It sets a cap of $31.7 million on total tax credits reserved annually, with $5 million specifically for residential projects. The tax credit will be available in the tax year when the rehabilitated structure is placed in service, and owners can sell or transfer the tax credit under specific conditions. The bill also establishes a 12-member State Historical Commission to make recommendations on memorialization and commemoration related to Connecticut's history. Overall, the bill aims to enhance support for historic preservation while ensuring compliance with established standards and promoting affordable housing initiatives.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 7-147i, 7-147k, 10-416c
PD Joint Favorable Substitute: 7-147i, 7-147k, 10-416c
File No. 275: 7-147i, 7-147k, 10-416c